JW Marriott has unveiled three new herb gardens designed and installed by landscape designer Lily Kwong as part of the brand’s JW Garden program. Kwong, founder of Studio Lily Kwong, leads a next-generation landscape practice focused on reconnecting people with nature. Her JW Garden installations are now featured at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa, and JW Marriott Essex House New York.
© JW Marriott
Across the JW Marriott portfolio, on-site gardens supply fresh produce and herbs used in menus and cocktails, reflecting the company’s roots in founder J. Willard Marriott’s daily nature walks and the family tradition of growing fruits, vegetables and herbs at home.
Kwong applied sustainable strategies across each garden, incorporating repurposed, low-emission materials, water-conserving irrigation methods, and a commitment to avoid spray pesticides and fungicides. Each garden highlights a signature herb, and Studio Lily Kwong has developed a JW Garden Toolkit to share design and care guidance. As part of the initiative, JW Marriott will make donations to a local charity selected by Kwong in each destination.
© JW Marriott
“There is a synergy between JW Marriott’s approach to well-being and Lily Kwong’s commitment to bringing people back to nature,” said Bruce Rohr, global brand leader for JW Marriott. “The JW Garden program invites guests to find calm and balance during their stay—the gardens offer a peaceful retreat for the mind and spirit and later provide fresh ingredients for dining. Lily’s designs elevate that experience, and we look forward to guests enjoying her vision.”
At JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, the garden centers on sage, paired with rosemary, prickly pear and olive trees. Plant selections prioritize native species and edible herbs chosen for their therapeutic qualities, while planting beds incorporate hidden seating to create intimate moments. The Mojave Desert Land Trust is the partnering charity for this location.
At JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa, plantings emphasize strong aromatics intended to create joyful sensory memories for guests. The signature herb, rosemary, grows alongside thyme, lavender, chives, oregano, mint, marjoram and a range of citrus trees including orange, kumquat, tangerine and Meyer lemon. The Orlando City Foundation is the chosen charity for this garden.
© JW Marriott
In New York, the JW Marriott Essex House garden features mint as its signature herb and is located within the hotel lobby, drawing inspiration from nearby Central Park. This compact, urban garden also includes lavender, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, chives and oregano. GrowNYC’s Greening program benefits from the Essex House installation.
“An herb garden is a beautiful portal that reconnects us to the land and our senses,” said Lily Kwong. “Our JW Garden projects honor the tradition of kitchen gardens while introducing Studio Lily Kwong’s artistic approach to planting. We are delighted that JW Marriott guests will enjoy both the visual and culinary rewards of these gardens. We hope our work inspires guests to grow their own herb gardens at home.”